Internet Marketing of Tourism Products

Guggul resin is a tree resin extract that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Scientists do not know exactly how guggul works, and little research has been performed with this botanical. In laboratory experiments, a chemical in guggul called guggulsterone affects the production cholesterol by the liver. Mice that are fed guggul have reduced levels of cholesterol synthesis by the liver compared to mice fed normal diets. A handful of clinical trials have suggested that dietary guggul can reduce blood cholesterol levels in humans.

Guggul, also known as guggulu and guggulipid, is a substance secreted by the mukul myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul) after it has been injured. It has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat obesity, osteoarthritis, and some skin conditions. Recently, research has suggested that guggul also may lower total cholesterol levels, especially triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. The method by which guggul lowers cholesterol is not totally understood, however, there have been many mechanisms proposed. These mechanisms include blocking cholesterol synthesis and increasing removal of LDL cholesterol.

Some of the research performed on guggul resin suggests that it does modestly lower total cholesterol (between 10 to 27 percent), triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, however, there are other studies that suggest guggulipid has no effect in lowering cholesterol levels.

In the 1980s, an extract of the resin dubbed gugulipid began to be marketed as an antioxidant as well as cholesterol-lowering agent. The plant compound’s mode of action is quite different from that of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Some of guggul’s active components, guggulsterones, work by blocking a substance that stops the body from getting rid of cholesterol. Statins, on the other hand, block the body from making more cholesterol. However, Guggul should probably not be used in combination with statins.

A study published in JAMA in August of 2003, and widely publicized, did not show guggul to have any significant effect on lowering cholesterol levels, which contradicted the results of a dozen or more previous research that had shown guggul to be beneficial in reducing cholesterol. However, when the data were re-analyzed from this latest study, it was discovered that guggul was able to lower fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, insulin levels, and guggul had anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the levels of C-reactive protein.

Research with laboratory animals suggests guggul may work by helping enhance thyroid functioning. This is significant because the thyroid gland produces hormones that are needed to regulate metabolism. Studies show guggul may change thyroid hormone metabolism, increasing levels of circulating T3, or triiodothyroxine, a thyroxine metabolite known to raise overall metabolism. Theoretically at least, this should help the body burn significantly more fat. If this benefit is shown in humans as well, guggul will likely gain popularity for helping fight the accumulation of fat on the body.

Guggul is available in capsule or tablet form at your local or internet health food store. Look for name brands manufactures to ensure quality and purity of the guggul supplement you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Guggul is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Related posts:

1. Cholesterol: what is it? So the question is, what exactly, is cholesterol? Well, it’s...
2. Fight Asthma With Selenium Selenium is a trace mineral that is important to good...
3. Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol Pterostilbene, a berry compound found in blueberries and grapes, can...
4. Reduce Fat And Maintain Muscle With Chromium Picolinate Chromium is a mineral supplement that is used as an...
5. The Atkins Low Carb Diet - Does It Work? The Atkins low carbohydrate diet was the brain-child of Dr....

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 12:20 pm and is filed under Affiliate Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.